Imprinting on time-structured acoustic stimuli in ducklings

Monteiro, Tiago; Hart, Tom; Kacelnik, Alex

doi:10.1098/rsbl.2021.0381

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This use of artificial stimuli also helps to explore less intuitive properties of the content of imprinting. For instance, Monteiro et al (2021) were able to imprint domestic ducklings onto specific time-structured acoustic stimuli, while in a similar experiment, Martinho and Kacelnik (2016) showed that ducklings were able to imprint on the concept of either "same" or "different" while being exposed to various moving three-dimensional shapes. This…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…For instance, Monteiro et al. (2021) were able to imprint domestic ducklings onto specific time‐structured acoustic stimuli, while in a similar experiment, Martinho and Kacelnik (2016) showed that ducklings were able to imprint on the concept of either “same” or “different” while being exposed to various moving three‐dimensional shapes. This shows that birds can filially imprint on abstract, relational properties of their sensory input, rather than simply representing auditory or visual cues, and helps to refine the notion of what constitutes an “imprintable” target.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A systematic review of methodologies for studying behavioral imprinting

Chamberlain,

Kacelnik,

Bush

et al. 2023

Ethology

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Behavioral imprinting is a learning phenomenon by which animals acquire preferences for stimuli through perceptual exposure during critical periods, without substantial external reinforcement. Since being acknowledged in 1516 by Sir Thomas More in artificially incubated domestic chickens, imprinting has been reported in diverse species, across various sensory modalities, and during different life‐history stages. Due to this diversity, imprinting research uses highly varied methodologies, with distinctive differences between the methods employed for different types of imprinting. We systematically review relevant literature, identifying and describing the range of methodologies used to study imprinting across taxa and modalities. After compiling a representative dataset of 192 behavioral imprinting‐focused experiments, we categorize studies by imprinting sensory modality, focal species, ontogenetic stage addressed, and methods applied for both exposure and testing. The majority of studies in the sample focus on filial imprinting in precocial birds but nonfilial types, such as sexual or home range imprinting in altricial and non‐avian species, are also present, albeit at far lower proportions. Filial imprinting is studied across different sensory modalities, mostly through applying artificial stimuli, but nonfilial imprinting studies mainly use live animals as stimuli, without isolating the relevant sensory modalities. Most studies of filial imprinting measure preference by spatial proximity, following response, or the suppression of a fear response, whereas most studies of sexual imprinting employ the attempt frequency of sexual behaviors. Finally, we analyze the relative frequencies of methodological approaches in each imprinting category, to highlight potential biases due to uneven research effort rather than intrinsic biology. The patterns and biases in imprinting methodologies that we uncover hamper attempts to establish whether different forms of imprinting share mechanistic foundations, including whether imprinting constitutes a biologically meaningful learning category.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of methodologies for studying behavioral imprinting

Chamberlain,

Kacelnik,

Bush

et al. 2023

Ethology

Self Cite

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“…To track the fish centroid in real time, a colour thresholding method (Monteiro et al, 2021 ) was implemented using a custom Bonsai workflow. Video was recorded at approximately 33 fps.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

GoFish: A low-cost, open-source platform for closed-loop behavioural experiments on fish

et al. 2023

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Fish are the most species-rich vertebrate group, displaying vast ecological, anatomical and behavioural diversity, and therefore are of major interest for the study of behaviour and its evolution. However, with respect to other vertebrates, fish are relatively underrepresented in psychological and cognitive research. A greater availability of easily accessible, flexible, open-source experimental platforms that facilitate the automation of task control and data acquisition may help to reduce this bias and improve the scalability and refinement of behavioural experiments in a range of different fish species. Here we present GoFish, a fully automated platform for behavioural experiments in aquatic species. GoFish includes real-time video tracking of subjects, presentation of stimuli in a computer screen, an automatic feeder device, and closed-loop control of task contingencies and data acquisition. The design and software components of the platform are freely available, while the hardware is open-source and relatively inexpensive. The control software, Bonsai, is designed to facilitate rapid development of task workflows and is supported by a growing community of users. As an illustration and test of its use, we present the results of two experiments on discrimination learning, reversal, and choice in goldfish (Carassius auratus). GoFish facilitates the automation of high-throughput protocols and the acquisition of rich behavioural data. Our platform has the potential to become a widely used tool that facilitates complex behavioural experiments in aquatic species.

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GoFish: A low-cost, open-source platform for closed-loop behavioural experiments on fish

Ajuwon

Cruz

Carrico

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Fish are the most species-rich vertebrate group, displaying vast ecological, anatomical and behavioural diversity, and therefore are of major interest for the study of behaviour and its evolution. Despite this, with respect to other vertebrates, fish are relatively underrepresented in behavioural research. This is partly due to the difficulty of implementing stimuli, manipulanda, and data recording underwater, meaning that this is frequently done with gates to control subjects, physical displays as stimuli, and visual annotation of videos to record data. To overcome these restrictions we developed GoFish, a fully-automated platform for behavioural experiments. GoFish includes real-time video tracking of subjects, presentation of stimuli in a computer screen, an automatic feeder device, and closed-loop control of task contingencies and data acquisition. The design and software components of the platform are freely available, while the hardware is widely available and relatively inexpensive. The control software, Bonsai, is user-friendly and supported by a growing community of users. As an illustration and test of its use, we present the results of 2 experiments on discrimination learning, reversal, and choice in goldfish (Carassius auratus). GoFish enables the relatively easy implementation of high-throughput tasks and the acquisition of rich behavioural data. Our platform has the potential to become a widely used tool that facilitates complex behavioural experiments in aquatic species.

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Imprinting on time-structured acoustic stimuli in ducklings

Cited by 4 publications

References 23 publications

A systematic review of methodologies for studying behavioral imprinting

A systematic review of methodologies for studying behavioral imprinting

GoFish: A low-cost, open-source platform for closed-loop behavioural experiments on fish

GoFish: A low-cost, open-source platform for closed-loop behavioural experiments on fish

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